Ottawa, Dec. 18 (CNA) Canada on Monday found itself caught in the
middle of growing tension between Russia and the United States over
the issue of American plans to build a National Missile Defense
system.

Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien and visiting Russian
President Vladimir Putin spent over five hours meeting behind closed
doors over the past two days, talking about issues regarding nuclear
weapons, trade, and the Arctic.

At the end of their meeting, the two leaders signed an agreement
on nuclear stability, with both questioning a plan by U.S.
President-elect George W. Bush to create an NMD system.

Putin argued that the American plan to set up the missile defense
shield would "damage international security," and he asked Canada to
join with other nations to oppose the project.

Though both Putin and Chretien reaffirmed their support for the
long-standing anti-ballistic missile treaty, Chretien said it was
premature to discuss the NMD plan since it's still in the concept
stage.

Any American system would need Canada's cooperation, and Chretien
admitted that being between the U.S. and Russia on this issue is not
a very comfortable position, telling Putin that "questions will be
raised by the Canadian government."

"We're in a bit of geographical bind in a way because Russia is
on one side, and on the other side is the Americans. So we want to
consider all the consequences this program could have for Canada,"
Chretien told the media.

Russia said if the U.S. goes ahead with the program, it will
destabilize world security. Now that it is no longer a world
superpower, Russia seems to be looking to Canada for a little
leverage with Washington, D.C.

Canada could act as a mediator, Putin said at a joint press
meeting with Chretien.

Putin appeared to have gained Chretien's cautious support in his
fight against Bush's plan for a nuclear defense system.

It's uncertain how the new administration in Washington will
react to the new cooperation between Canada and Russia.
(By S.C. Chang)